SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT (publ. 5/16/2013, page A2) Because of an editing error, an earlier version of a story about Angelina Jolie's decision to have a double mastectomy said her mother died at 52 of breast cancer. Jolie's mother, Marcheline Bertrand, died at 56 of ovarian cancer.

Across America, women who face high risk of breast cancer said actress Angelina Jolie's decision to have a double mastectomy has transformed one of the toughest parts of taking such a dramatic step: Isolation.

"People don't understand and think you're nuts," said Joi Morris, 48, of Santa Monica, who six years ago decided to undergo the same preventive surgery as Jolie after learning she carried a faulty gene that raised her risk for cancer.

"This will destigmatize it," said Morris, who leads an active, healthy and cancer-free life. "We'll feel less alone."

The stunning beauty and partner to Brad Pitt revealed in a New York Times opinion piece that she decided to have both breasts removed after watching her own mother, actress Marcheline Bertrand, die at 56 from cancer. Jolie, 37, learned she carries the "faulty" BRCA1 gene and had an 87 percent chance of getting the disease herself. Now, her risk has dropped to 5 percent.

"It was an extraordinarily courageous thing to do, to go so public," said Dr. Allison Kurian, oncologist with the Stanford Cancer Center. "It has the potential to help a large number of women."

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The discovery of two high-risk gene mutations for breast cancer in the mid-1990s made it possible, for the first time, to predict the risk of the deadly disease.

Genetic testing has burgeoned worldwide, alerting thousands of women to risks that would have otherwise gone unknown.

But the public acceptance of remedies has not kept up with the science. Patient-based educational groups such as Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE) and Breast Cancer Action embraced Jolie's publicity, saying it could save lives.

"A celebrity is bringing attention to an issue that is really an agonizing decision for thousands of women," said Karuna Jaggar, executive director of Breast Cancer Action.

"I think that having somebody raising awareness is a good thing," said Mia Silverman of San Francisco, 31, who had the surgery. "It is great to have people thinking about family histories as well, to get more information about their own personal risk, and ask their doctors and genetic counselors."

Under the headline "My Medical Choice," Jolie wrote that between early February and late April she completed three months of surgical procedures to remove both breasts. "I wanted to write this to tell other women that the decision to have a mastectomy was not easy. But it is one I am very happy that I made," wrote Jolie.

"I do not feel any less of a woman. I feel empowered that I made a strong choice that in no way diminishes my femininity."

Genetic mutations in the BRCA 1 and 2 genes are responsible for very few -- only 5 to 10 percent -- of all cases of breast cancer, said Kurian.

But for women unlucky enough to carry the mutations, the risk is greatly elevated. For instance, women born with the BRCA1 mutation have a 65 percent lifetime risk of developing cancer, compared with a 10 to 12 percent lifetime risk for women without the mutation, she said. That's a fivefold increase.

Then, there aren't many choices: only surgery, frequent screening or drugs such as tamoxifen.

One of the alternatives -- screening -- involves worry and watching.

But surgery, while not risk-free, drops odds of breast cancer to almost nothing.

"The sense of relief is huge," said Morris, who delayed making the decision until a suspicious precancerous lump was detected. "It was an emotionally difficult decision, but it was the right decision. ... I feel like I dodged a bullet."

The American Cancer Society urged caution, issuing a statement Tuesday that not every woman needs a blood test to determine their genetic risk for cancer -- and women with known mutations proceed with caution before undergoing surgery. Women "need to be able to discuss their options with genetic specialists and knowledgeable health professionals so they can have all the information and expertise at their fingertips to do what's right for them," said a statement from Otis Brawley, chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society.

Testing for the faulty gene is expensive -- about $4,000 -- and is not covered by all insurance plans. The test that allowed Jolie and Morris to learn of their mutation is currently at the center of a Supreme Court case over whether companies have the right to patent genes. The test is made by Myriad Genetics, whose 20-year patent on the genes gives the company full control over the genes for research and diagnostic testing.

The court heard arguments April 15 and is expected to rule later this summer. Critics say a ruling in favor of gene patenting would keep test prices high.

Surgery is also expensive. Morris calculates that the surgeon's bill was $50,000 and five nights in the hospital surpassed $100,000. Initially rejected for coverage, "I just ended up bawling on the phone, because I couldn't get a commitment."

Finally, her insurance covered the costs after a benefits manager for her husband's company helped make the case.

Now she runs, volunteers at her children's schools, hikes in Yosemite, camps in Alaska -- and has authored a book, called "Positive Results," to help other women who face the same stark choice.

"People ask: 'Why didn't you wait?' Why? Because not everybody survives it," she said. "I have a life I want to live."

"Surgery allows you to get on with life, to just return to what you are doing," she said. "I feel normal again."

The Associated Press contributed to this report. Contact Lisa M. Krieger at 650-492-4098.

WHO SHOULD GET TESTED?

For women who are not of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, the National Cancer Institute recommends genetic testing if you have:Two first-degree relatives, such as a mother or sister, diagnosed with breast cancer, with one of them before age 51. Three or more first- or second-degree relatives, such as grandmother or aunt, diagnosed with breast cancer. A combination of first- and second-degree relatives diagnosed with breast cancer or ovarian cancer; A male relative diagnosed with breast cancer.

For women of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, who are more likely to carry the genetic mutation, the NCI recommends genetic testing if you have:A first-degree relative diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer; Two second-degree relatives on the same side of the family diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer.